From the recordings Be Good To Yourself: 10 Choice Cuts and There Was A Light (performed by Peter Holsapple)
Big Star, the legendary, star-crossed Memphis power-pop band, fueled an entire generation of Tarheel musicians. Hence “There Was A Light," written by the late Chris Bell of Big Star. The song traces the arc of romantic despair as it deepens into suicidal depression. Peter Holsapple’s intuitive vocal slides from hope to inconsolability atop a regal arrangement that owes as much to Procol Harum as it does to Big Star. The song is crowned by a magnificent guitar solo by Mitch Easter which lifts an already emotional song toward the heavens.
Lyrics
There was a light so dear to me
I wanted to live
There was a time so near to me
I asked you to give your life to me
And if it's a sign sent down to me
I'm asking you why it had to be
Spending all my time
Waiting to die
What's the use
Spending all my time
Waiting to die
What's the use
There was a light so dear to me
I wanted to live
There was a time so dear to me
I asked you to give your life to me